Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports that has been no progress between the Atlanta Falcons and DT Jonathan Babineaux regarding a contract extension.
Babineaux, 32, has been one of the Falcons few bright spots on a very poor defensive unit, which is something that Falcons HC Mike Smith is well aware of.
“Well, Jonathan Babineaux, I think, has really had a very good season,” Smith said. “He’s been very disruptive. You know, Jonathan makes those plays in the defensive backfield – many times he’s led the league since we’ve been here in minus-yardage plays.”
Babineaux is in the final year of a five-year, $25 million contract he signed back in 2008. He has 38 total tackles this season with seven of them coming behind the line of scrimmage to go along with a sack, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 28 defensive tackle in the league and a well above average run defender.
Babineaux has made it known that he would like to sign an extension with Atlanta.
“I definitely want to finish my career here in Atlanta,” Babineaux said. “I started here. I’ve been through the good times, the bad times. And I definitely want to finish here. So, we’ll have a lot of time for that in the offseason — for them and me to decide on something. Hopefully, I’ll be able to continue my career here.”
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!